Advice for People Caring for a Loved One with Dementia
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or other form of dementia is no easy task. While caregiving can be physically and emotionally demanding, it can also be rewarding, especially when taking a positive and thoughtful approach.
Patricia Birks, RN, the Wellness Director at The Courtyard at McHenry senior living community, knows many family members who care for loved ones with dementia.
“All too often I meet caregivers who take on all the responsibilities of caregiving with little to no experience, guidance, or support,” said Birks. “That’s why I like to share a few tips to help make things a bit easier and, hopefully, create a better experience for both the caregiver and the person receiving care.”
Helpful Advice for Dementia Caregivers
Breathe – Start each day with a deep, calming breath. Stick to a routine as best as you can and simplify tasks wherever possible to reduce frustration and confusion.
Connect – When talking, get on the same level as your loved one, maintain eye contact, and speak slowly and clearly. Try and avoid interrupting, correcting or arguing.
Experience Joy and Purpose –
Spend your time together doing things that are familiar and of interest to your loved one such as cooking, gardening, or tinkering in the garage. Relax and enjoy the moment without worrying about a perfect outcome or being productive.
Trust Yourself – Approach aggressive behavior with confidence. While identifying the possible trig-
gers and unmet needs, remain positive and reassuring. Shift the focus to a more relaxing activity.
Seek Life Balance – Caregiver burnout is real. Be good to yourself, so you can be good to others. Get plenty or rest, eat well, be social, and carve time out to do the things that make you happy.
Respite or Long-term Memory Care
Learning and practicing new ways to communicate, connect, and respond to caregiving challenges can make a big difference in the quality of life of everyone involved. However, there may come a time when even the best caregivers need to take a well-deserved break.
For those times, The Courtyard at McHenry offers short-term memory care stays. A respite stay is an ideal solution that allows caregivers to take a vacation from caregiving—or an actual vacation—while their loved one is well cared for.
The Courtyard at McHenry also offers full-time residential memory care for people who have early, mid-stage, and advanced Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementia.
To learn more about The Courtyard at McHenry, contact Jodi Borck at (815) 322-3582 or jborck@ encorecares.com or visit TheCourtyardatMcHenry.com.
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